Alzheimer Disease and Cancer: A National Inpatient Sample Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have demonstrated an inverse relationship between Alzheimer dementia (AD) and cancer. This inverse relationship was further explored. In addition, Pin1 expression has been implicated in the cell cycle regulation of both disease processes. The relationship of Pin1 expression in 10 cancer types and secondary diagnosis of AD was examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was performed using discharge data from the National Inpatient Sample from 1999 to 2008. Cancer was defined as the primary discharge diagnosis and AD was defined as the secondary discharge diagnosis. Cancer types were grouped according to their Pin1 expression to examine its relationship with AD. Analysis was performed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Of ∼3 million cancer discharge diagnoses, 1.0% had a secondary diagnosis of AD. Discharge data of all 10 cancer types revealed a lower likelihood of secondary AD diagnosis. Prostate [crude odds ratios (OR): 0.26 (0.24 to 0.29), multivariate OR: 0.39 (0.35 to 0.43)], ovarian [crude OR: 0.38 (0.32 to 0.44), multivariate OR: 0.35 (0.30 to 0.41)], and lung cancer [crude OR: 0.39 (0.36 to 0.41), multivariate OR: 0.41 (0.39 to 0.44)] demonstrated the lowest odds of secondary AD diagnosis. When cancer types were grouped per Pin1 expression, cancer types with Pin1 underexpression were more likely to be associated with secondary diagnosis of AD than cancer types with Pin1 overexpression [crude OR: 1.4 (1.3 to 1.4), multivariate OR: 1.08 (1.02 to 1.14)]. DISCUSSION: This secondary data analysis further demonstrated an inverse relationship between AD and 10 cancer types, with prostate, ovarian, and lung cancers displaying the greatest inverse relationship. Pin1 underexpressing cancer types had a significantly higher likelihood of secondary diagnosis of AD than Pin1 overexpressing cancer types.

Strong Association Between Migraine and Transient Global Amnesia: A National Inpatient Sample Analysis.

The purpose of this article was to explore sex- and race-specific variables and comorbidities associated with transient global amnesia (TGA) using a nationally representative database. Data were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample using ICD-9 and procedure codes. Descriptive and survey logistic regression analyses were conducted and adjusted for influence of comorbidities, demographic characteristics, and hospitalization-related factors. Patients with migraines were 5.98 times more likely to also have a diagnosis of TGA compared with patients without migraines. Similarly, patients with TGA were more likely to have hypertension, precerebral disease, and hyperlipidemia. The odds of being diagnosed with TGA was lower among African Americans and Hispanics as well as among patients classified as Asian/Other, compared with Caucasians. TGA was associated with lower hospital charges ($14,242 versus $21,319), shorter hospital stays (mean days: 2.49 [SE=0.036] versus 4.72 [SE=0.025]), and routine hospital discharges (91.4% versus 74.5%). Patients with migraines and patients classified as Caucasian had higher odds of being diagnosed with TGA. All minority populations showed a lower rate of diagnosis that fell short of statistical significance.

The Women's Health Care Empowerment Model as a Catalyst for Change in Developing Countries.

Women's empowerment has been attempted through a number of different fields including the realms of politics, finance, and education, yet none of these domains are as promising as health care. Here we review preliminary work in this domain and introduce a model for women's empowerment through involvement in health care, titled the "women's health care empowerment model." Principles upon which our model is built include: acknowledging the appropriate definition of empowerment within the cultural context, creating a women's network for communication, integrating local culture and tradition into training women, and increasing the capability of women to care for their children and other women.

A Systematic Review of Omega-3 Consumption and Neuroprotective Cognitive Outcomes.

Context: While a great deal of interest has been accorded to the cognitive effects of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFAs), there is a need for systematic review data that assess this outcome across the lifespan, accounting for population differences and highlighting methodological limitations of extant studies. Objective: This systematic review addresses the effects of n-3s on human cognition and provides an overview on the current state of research and recommendations for future efforts. Data Sources: Based on a thorough review of highly powered articles from PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, and ProQuest Central, the authors evaluated articles published between 2000 and 2020 assessing LC PUFA status on cognition as a primary outcome measure. Using the PRISMA guidelines, the researchers' primary aim was to provide a comprehensive overview of the articles. Conclusions: The results indicate inconsistent effects of intervention, with benefits for specific groups on specific outcomes. Although results were rarely definitive across cognitive domains, and the majority of studies indicated the presence of a possible threshold effect in which LC PUFA needs were already being met, and supplementation did not have an additional effect, there is evidence for trends towards benefit in cognitive functions, in those experiencing early cognitive decline.

Insulin resistance and cognitive test performance in elderly adults: National health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES).

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and cognitive test performance among population≥60years in a national database. HYPOTHESIS: Higher insulin resistance is associated with lower cognitive test performance score in the population≥60years. PARTICIPANTS: We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2000 and 2001-2002. MEASUREMENTS: Cognitive test performance was measured by the Digit Symbol Substitution (DSS) exercise score. The main independent variable was the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). We used bivariate analysis and generalized linear model adjusting for age, gender, race, education, body mass index, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures; total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride levels; and physical activity, diabetes mellitus, stroke, and congestive heart failure. STATA 14 was used to analyze the data taking into consideration the design, strata and weight. RESULTS: Of the 1028 participants, 44% were male and 85% were white. The mean age was 70.0±0.28 (SE) years. Their average HOMA-IR was 3.6±0.14 and they had a mean of 49.2±0.8 correct DSS score in the cognitive test. Adjusting for the confounding variables, HOMA-IR was associated with decline in DSS score (B=-0.30, 95% confidence interval=-0.54 and -0.05, p=0.01). The model explained 44% of the variability of the DSS score (R2=0.44). Significant predictors of decline in DSS score were age, gender, race, and education (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance as measured by HOMA-IR was independently associated with lower cognitive test performance score among elderly participants aged ≥60years. Longitudinal studies are needed to test the mechanism and the causal relationship.

Micronutrients and Risk of Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. Although the precise pathogenetic mechanisms of PD remain undetermined, there appears to be both genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the risk of developing PD. With regard to environmental risk factors, there has been significant interest related to the role of diet, nutrition, and nutrients on the onset and progression of PD. As the current treatments are predominantly focused on symptomatic management, efforts must be directed toward prevention of the PD and identification of potentially modifiable risk and preventive factors. This comprehensive review gives an overview of studies examining the role of micronutrients in PD, and provides guidance on the value of the reported outcomes.

Ischemic Stroke Risk After Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies show an increased risk of ischemic stroke (IS) after myocardial infarction; however, there is limited evidence on long-term risk and whether it is directly related to cardiac injury. We hypothesized that the risk of IS after acute coronary syndrome is significantly higher if there is evidence of cardiac injury, such as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-STEMI, than when there is no evidence of cardiac injury, such as in unstable angina. METHODS AND RESULTS: Administrative claims data were obtained from all emergency department encounters and hospitalizations at California's nonfederal acute care hospitals between 2008 and 2011. Patients with STEMI, non-STEMI, and unstable angina were identified using appropriate International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. The primary outcome was IS during 2 years of follow-up. Unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the association between acute coronary syndrome subtype and IS risk. We identified 73 059 patients with a diagnosis of STEMI (n=26 427), non-STEMI (n=39 833), or unstable angina (n=6819) during the study period. In the fully adjusted models that included potential confounders such as atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure, the risk of IS was higher with STEMI (hazard ratio 4.17, 95% CI 3.00-5.83; P<0.001) and non-STEMI (hazard ratio 3.73, 95% CI 2.68-5.19, P<0.001) compared with unstable angina. CONCLUSIONS: Non-STEMI and STEMI confer an equally increased risk of IS. Studies exploring IS mechanisms in cardiac patients are needed to improve and tailor stroke prevention strategies.

Advances in stroke prevention.

Stroke remains to be a leading cause of disability. However, optimal strategies can prevent up to 80% of strokes. A large body of evidence supports many strategies for primary and secondary prevention of stroke. The purpose of this paper is to highlight recent major advances for management of modifiable medical and behavioral risk factors of stroke. Specific studies are highlighted, including those related to atrial fibrillation (AF), hypertension, revascularization, hyperlipidemia, antiplatelets, smoking, diet, and physical activity. Effective strategies include the use of novel oral anticoagulants for AF, antiplatelet therapy, and intensive lowering of atherosclerosis risk factors.